Vallejo Temporary Casino: City Council Approves Services Agreement in Key Step for Scotts Valley Band

City approves police, fire, water, and permit services

Under the agreement, Vallejo will provide:

• Police services
• Fire and emergency response
• Water service
• Encroachment permit review for site access and infrastructure

City staff emphasized that the agreement is not an endorsement of the casino, but a practical framework to ensure public safety and municipal coordination as the tribe moves forward with construction.

Councilmembers added new conditions requiring the tribe to engage in discussions about:

• 15% local hiring goals
• Financial support for cleanup efforts near the White Slough area
• Ongoing community benefit contributions

A meaningful step for the tribe's timeline

For the Scotts Valley Band, the vote provides a clearer operational path for the temporary casino, which is being built using 5,400 sq ft of modular structures-more than double the size of the Napa Valley Casino card room.

The tribe has stated that:

• The facility will operate 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Only Class II gaming (electronic bingo-style) will be offered
• No slot machines have been installed
• Construction and renovation of modular units are underway

While the tribe has not announced an opening date, the city's approval removes a key logistical barrier.

Federal review still looms over the project

Despite local progress, the project remains under federal reconsideration. The U.S. Department of the Interior is still reviewing whether the Vallejo site qualifies as "restored lands" under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)-a requirement for future Class III gaming.

In 2025, a federal judge cautioned that any development before the review is complete is done "at their own risk."

Opposition from several tribes-including Yocha Dehe, Kletsel Dehe, Lytton, and the United Auburn Indian Community-continues to shape the federal conversation.

Why the City Council vote matters

The April 16 action is significant for three reasons:

1. It formalizes the city's operational role

Vallejo now has a defined framework for public safety, utilities, and site access-critical for any near-term opening of the temporary casino.

2. It signals municipal acceptance of the tribe's sovereign right to operate Class II gaming

While not an endorsement of the project, the agreement acknowledges the Scotts Valley Band's legal authority to proceed with Class II gaming on its trust land.

3. It positions the city for future negotiations

By tying services to community benefit discussions, Vallejo has created leverage for long-term agreements if the permanent casino proposal advances and federal approvals are secured.

Current status as of May 2026